Use the Sun to Run Your A/C - Coolerado
Lots of people with rooftop solar arrays are making a significant dent in their A/C's power consumption. Unfortunately, few of us can afford enough panels to completely power even a high-efficiency unit. If you think the answer is more photovoltaics, you might be looking at the wrong side of the equation. The Denver-based start-up Coolerado has designed a super low-energy, CFC-free A/C unit that can operate entirely from a small-scale solar array, and even boost generation.
Reportedly, Coolerado's air-conditioners use about 10% as much energy as a conventional system. Their latest innovation is to equip these energy-saving badboys to integrate with small-scale solar systems. Coolerado's six-ton unit -- which cools about 3,000 sq ft. -- consumes only 600W and can run entirely from the power generated by four 200W PV panels.
If you're wondering why it takes 800W to run a 600W machine, it's because scorching hot panels don't reach their maximum efficiency. Coolerado actually runs the exhaust blower to the back of PV panels to cool them down and boost capacity. They also offer a computer that controls fan speed to use only the power generated by your solar panels.
[via CleanTechnica]
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